Ocean Point, Edinburgh
2001-2004

Situated in the emerging business quarter at the Port of Leith, Edinburgh's historic dockland, Ocean Point One represents the first phase of a 200,000 sq. ft., office development split across two buildings.

The initial stage project, completed in January 2004, comprises 70,000 sq. ft., of office accommodation on eight storeys. Set within a masterplan which incorporates Ocean Terminal, a key component of the area's retail sector, designed to increase the port's berth capacity and the permanent site for the former Royal Yacht Britannia, the building contributes towards the balance of residential and commercial developments both underway and anticipated in future phases.

The site is located on one of several spaces connected by various routes leading from the traditional core of Leith to the new amenities being developed. This space is embraced by the two buildings, and is accessed between them or off the public walkway extending along the length of the sea wall towards Ocean Terminal. Animation of the space by office workers, pedestrians and visitors to other local amenities will be accommodated by the siting of a large canopied structure, which will incorporate an elevated view of the working dock and the historic heart of the Port of Leith, providing an appropriate waterside frontage for the development.

The buildings relate firmly to the geometries set out in the masterplan and suggested by proportions of the site, and have clean profiles relating to the nautical context. Carefully detailed varicoloured glass and metal panels reflect the sea, sky and panorama of the city in bright clarity, providing unique, iconic views in all directions from the pioneering core of the emerging revived settlement.

The building edges have been sculpted into distinct silhouettes to act as a foil to the purity of the sweep of the principal façades, each of which, facing a point of the compass, will allow light to penetrate and reflect to differing degrees, depending on the time and season, giving a dynamic, ever-changing appearance which resonates with the coastal landscape.